For many people, visiting a zoo or aquarium is the closest they will come to some of the world’s incredibly diverse wildlife.
Santa Barbara Zoo is involved in two AZA collective programs.
Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE)
SAFE species are at risk of extinction and need our help. AZA member institutions are working together alongside their partners to help save these animals. SAFE focuses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species.
SAFE is a framework that:
- Protects threatened animals
- Builds on established recovery plans and history of commitment
- Prioritizes collaboration among AZA member institutions
- Implements strategic conservation and stakeholder engagement activities
- Measures and reports conservation progress
Species Survival Plan (SSP)
SSPs are population management programs for specific species. AZA members manage species collectively, with careful planning for the future of the species both in human care and with hopes of future reintroduction programs.
The main goal of SSPs is to maintain genetically diverse, multigenerational, and stable populations of animals in human care. Each plan keeps a carefully recorded studbook and regularly publishes a breeding and transfer plan. Every birth or hatching is carefully planned to improve the species in human care.